Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain announced today that the second phase of the nationwide measles vaccination campaign is slated to begin after Eid-ul-Azha. The minister made this statement during the 12th anniversary celebration of Universal Medical College Hospital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister emphasized that while many children have already received their first dose of the measles vaccine, others are still awaiting the second dose. The administration of the second dose will commence following Eid-ul-Azha to ensure complete vaccination coverage. The government has implemented swift actions to address the measles outbreak that has affected various regions across the country.
The minister urged doctors to dedicate sufficient time to patients, ensuring effective treatment amid the measles outbreak. He highlighted the efforts made to identify unvaccinated children, including public announcements via loudspeakers. Additionally, he reassured that there is no shortage of isolation wards for children, with plans to expand facilities if required.
Healthcare workers are actively administering vaccines through door-to-door services to reach every child. Addressing circulating misinformation about vaccines, Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain clarified that there is no vaccine shortage. However, he acknowledged a shortage of syringes, stating that new supplies are arriving to meet monthly demands, thereby ensuring an increase in distribution across the country.
The event was also attended by the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services, Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas, who supported the minister’s statements and efforts to combat the outbreak.